The 19-year-old Californian, riding the No. 52 SGA/KATRA/YCRS Yamaha YZF-R6, suffered a crash in Friday's practice session at the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam. The accident did serious damage to Pascarella's shoulder, which not only caused him excruciating pain but limited his ability to hang on to the motorcycle. Despite the crash, Pascarella qualified third on the grid. In Saturday's race, lap times fluctuated while Pascarella worked through the pain of his shoulder injury and a field of 27 riders to finish in ninth place. Sunday's Race 2 provided better results for the non-factory SGA/KATRA/YCRS team, as Pascarella delivered a stunning display of heart and determination that resulted in a third-place finish and a spot on the box in a land of giants.

With 14 races left in the season and multiple ways to score points, only 25 points separate Pascarella and the SGA/KATRA/YCRS team from leading the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Championship standings, making them a serious contender in the championship fight.

Joey Pascarella:
"We didn't change anything from (Saturday); I just dug deep, and did everything I could to stay right there with the guys. I gave it my all, pure heart. I was really upset from (Saturday), so I went for it. Tommy (Hayden) got around me and pulled a bit. I gave it a couple of laps and reeled him back in a little, then Martin (Cardenas) showed up but tossed it away. When I saw +11 on my pit board, I just wanted to stay consistent and finish the race because I know we're still in the hunt for this championship. I hung in there as long as I could. I think I did pretty good for not being 100% healthy. I can't thank the SGA/KATRA/YCRS team enough, especially Charlie, Kat and the whole crew, for giving me a bike that I feel comfortable on."

Charlie Grannon, SGA/KATRA/YCRS Team Co-Owner:
"Joey was hurt in a practice round on Friday where he really messed up his shoulder. It took a young man to be an old man, to be mature, to go through what he did. He was a man today. I know that he was hurting as much when he was in ninth, but he came in third and I love him for it. I can't thank Danny Anderson and the team enough for what they did. I'm so proud and emotional about this podium, and I want to dedicate it to my grandchildren - Sophia, Graham and Alec Freund. They are the reason why you see a Zebra, Tiger and Giraffe in the SGA logo; they are the spirit of this team, and this one goes out to them."

Kat Zimpel, SGA/KATRA/YCRS Team Co-Owner:
"I knew we put up a good machine this weekend, because Joey was happy. Despite the crash, he still managed to put down some great laps and qualify on the front row. Endurance was a big question, as his shoulder was failing. Today he definitely stepped up his game! I am so proud of him! The team did a great job, and we are happy to get a podium and keep going for the next round. It's a long series, with many races left in this season."